Mark Abbotsford is a Vice President for Australia’s largest oil and gas company, Woodside Petroleum. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, Mark was looking for new tools and thinking that would help him thrive as a leader during this uniquely complex time, and beyond. In the virtual offering of the Advanced Management Program (AMP), Mark found both the content and connections he was seeking, as well as an opportunity for self-renewal and reflection. Later this year, he'll also have the opportunity to meet his cohort in person at a five-day capstone event on campus. Below, Mark shares his perspective of the virtual AMP experience.
My desire to do AMP was twofold: firstly, I had underinvested in developing myself over my leadership journey. I wanted to learn more about myself and my gaps to become a better and more effective leader. Secondly, I wanted to meet a new and diverse group of peers and learn in the HBS environment guided by some of the best thinkers in the world.
I will be honest; I was at first reluctant to do the online offering. I was worried about the ability to form quality networks. Would the learning experience work over zoom? What turned my decision was a comment made by a peer who said, "what better time to grow your leadership capability than a once in a lifetime event…COVID-19. Now is the time." As I joined the course my reservations remained but quickly left. The HBS Live Online Classroom is out of this world— it is not on campus, but it feels like you are. The discussions are outstanding—driven by an engaged AMP cohort and faculty. The longer duration of the course enables networks to forge over an extended journey. Whilst I have not met my AMP 199 cohort in person, they are now much more than faces on a screen.
"I'll wait to learn about how to grow as a leader until after this global pandemic ends." No, this is exactly the time I need to build my skills to equip me to better deal with a crisis. Leadership development does not wait for a perfect time. There may never be a perfect time. In fact, upon reflection, "now" is the perfect time.
Simple: try everything and be proactive in communication. Throw yourself out there and you will find everyone responds. Over time I have been drawn to a core group of other AMPers with similar challenges to me, but the amazing thing is that group is so diverse.
This is one area that has really amazed me. In fact, it is one area where I think the virtual class is potentially superior to an in-person experience. Why? A virtual experience more readily breaks down some of the barriers or natural introversion that can exist in a physical setting. Some of the debates have been truly outstanding where classmates share very personal experiences very openly in a safe environment.
The virtual experience has allowed me to remain close to my family as opposed to being away for seven weeks. As someone who travels extensively, the gift of time with my family is precious and the virtual experience has enabled that for me.
In term of surprises, it's hard to narrow down to one, but two of the Faculty Professors approached me about collaborating in the development of a HBS case study for their Energy Program. I never expected to be a contributor to a HBS case study. I am now working on the case and I can’t wait to see the final product.
The most important thing it to throw yourself 100% into AMP. The virtual course increases the risks of distraction on both a professional and personal standpoint. To get the most out of the experience manage those distractions, especially during the more intensive learning periods. However, get the balance right and you can have the best of both worlds. I can genuinely say if there is a fear or reservation about a virtual course it is understandable—I was there too, but I have zero regrets.
